Botox or Botulinum Toxin is today one of the most performed aesthetic medicine procedures and has managed to enhance the knowledge of facial anatomy and the way of working the muscles that provide expression. Not only can we eliminate the famous crow’s feet or frown wrinkles, but we can modify a smile that shows too much the teeth or the position of sadness of the angles of the mouth. It can also act by weakening the bands of the neck or on the wrinkles of the neckline. Although popularly the botulinum toxin that we use for facial cosmetic treatment is known as Botox.
In February 2004, the Drug Agencies gave their approval to the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A for its cosmetic use, since then, it has become one of the most successful non-surgical treatments to treat expression wrinkles. Similarly, Botulinum Toxin Type A has been approved under the name BOTOX® for therapeutic use. The other brands of botulinum toxin have subsequently been approved. The quality of life of people has improved a lot and we look for facial rejuvenation treatments that are not aggressive and delay a facelift.
Cosmetic applications:
Currently the use of cosmetic Botox is authorized worldwide for the treatment of expression wrinkles such as frown wrinkles. Other cosmetic treatments that are usually performed are wrinkles of the forehead, crow’s feet, gingival smile, to raise the corners of the lips or neck bands.
Medical Applications:
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Strabismus. Dystonias. The blepharospasm. Vertebral algias. Migraine. Urinary incontinence in paraplegics. In the field of reconstructive surgery, it is a weapon of great help in the face of the treatments of patients with facial asymmetries at levels such as eyebrows or smiles, which connects us directly with the adjuvant treatment of facial paralysis or muscle spasms. In these cases, the doctor-patient relationship is the fundamental basis for the consolidation of the treatment.
Mechanism of action of botox for expression wrinkles:
The application of Botox is done through a very fine needle and directly on the facial muscles. Injections of this substance block muscle nerve signals, which in turn weakens the muscle so that it cannot contract and decreases unwanted facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers or microdermabrasion to further improve results. This combination of therapies can even help prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles. Although Botox injections may seem like a very easy procedure to perform, it is important that it is performed by an experienced specialist since we seek the application of the amounts that each patient needs individually to reduce the contraction of certain muscles and thus achieve a natural and relaxed result. A botox prick in the wrong place can lead to unwanted expression. No anesthesia is required. You may notice results in a few days, but it may take up to a week to see the full effect. This overall improvement lasts four to six months. When the effects of botulinum toxin begin to fade, your muscle reactions and wrinkles will return.
Special considerations, risks and recovery:
You can resume your normal activities immediately. Do not massage or press on the treated areas after treatment as it may cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of the face. It is preferable to avoid going to bed the first few hours after treatment. Although the injection well done is a safe technique it could present:
- Purple and pain at the injection site.
- Redness.
- Headache.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Nausea.
- Temporary facial weakness.
- There have been no cases of dangerous spread of the effect of Botox away from the injection site when it has been used at the recommended dose for the treatment of heavy underarm sweating or when BOTOX has been used at the recommended dose for the treatment of wrinkles.